Field Ornithology

Immerse yourself in a week of all things avian.

We really appreciate your interest in Hog Island Audubon Camp, but in order to keep our campers, volunteers and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic we’ve decided to cancel our summer camp programming for 2020. Thank you for your care and commitment as we work together to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

Tentative 2021 dates: June 20-25, 2021

Immerse yourself in a week of all things avian, from bird biology to nesting behavior, songs, migration and conservation. Learn in small-group settings about field identification.

Field Ornithology includes excursions to both mainland and coastal habitats, including offshore islands, windswept blueberry barrens, lush grasslands, and sphagnum bog forests (sensitive puffin-nesting islands will be observed by boat). Add some of the most respected bird experts in the country, and you have Field Ornithology on Hog Island. You'll learn in the woods and on the water - experiencing the dawn chorus with experts in bird song at your side; landing on seabird nesting islands to observe nesting behavior at arm's-length; discussing coloniality in the midst of a raucous heronry. You'll come home with amazing memories - and a solid understanding of bird biology and ecology.

"It was one of the best weeks of my life. I really enjoyed the program, the staff and instructors, my new "birding buddies" and of course the food." - Sujan, graduate student, Minnesota Click here to view the photo gallery

Read a [doc:67316|link:review from 2011 camper] , Susan Kelly of Marin County Audubon.

Prices: Listed below, these prices are per person and include meals, housing, instruction and all boat trips. Participants must arrange transportation to and from the Audubon dock in Bremen at the start and end of the session (see directions page). Check with your local Audubon chapter or bird club for scholarship availability.

$1145 Standard Room: twin bed in a shared double or triple room, shared bathroom
$1295 Puffin Room in the Crow's Nest, 2 twin beds, private 1/2 bath
$1445 Osprey Room, 2 twin beds, private full bath, ocean view (dbl occupancy)
$1445 Roseate Room, 2 twin beds, private full bath, ocean view (dbl occupancy)
$1445 Eider room - 2 twin beds, private bath, ocean view (dbl occupancy)
$1445 Guillemot room - 2 twin beds, private bath (dbl occupancy)
$1445 Blackburnian room - 2 twin beds, private bath (dbl occupancy)
$1445 single room in Porthole Lodge, shared bathroom
$1695 The Helm cabin, private cabin with full bathroom, queen bed, deck, ocean view (dbl occupancy; option for three available)

"The whole atmosphere of the camp was perfect. Serious about learning more about birding and birds, but fun and informative. I'd do it again in a heartbeat." - Lottie, kindergarten teacher, Missouri

Questions: For questions regarding the program, registration, lodging or meals, contact the Audubon Camp registrar at hogisland@audubon.org or (843) 340-8673. Additional information about accommodations can be found on the lodging and frequently asked questions pages.

Please note that for these programs, there are NO prerequisites, and less experienced/enthusiastic spouses/friends are more than welcome to enroll in all sessions!

Director
Scott Weidensaul, Author and ornithologist

Instructors
Anthony Hill, Bird Bander
Sara Morris, Professor of Biology and Environmental Science, Canisius College
Catherine Hamilton, Artist
Angelika Nelson, Behaviorial Ecologist